S12.01 - Community treatment of sexual offenders

Abstract

Mental health care shifts from the hospital to the community. Belgium has a nation wide network of specialized mental health centres for the community treatment of sexual offenders. These centers are linked to three centres of reference, one in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. Our Flemish reference centre (Universitair Forensisch Centrum, www.ufc.be) treated and/or assessed 835 sexual offenders or patients with abnormalities of sexual preference (paraphilias). Most of them are sexual abusers of children or adolescents (87%). We developed an original out patient treatment program based on cognitive behavioral therapy combined if necessary with medication (SSRI or hormonal therapy).

The following problems will be presented and discussed:

• • A multi step treatment model in order to enhance the motivation and adherence of the offender for the proposed treatment

• • The best interest of the patient versus public safety issues in the treatment approach

Conclusion:

Sexual abuse is in the western world recognized as a major Mental and Public Health problem. European countries must develop appropriate community assessment and treatment programs for sexual offenders. Research concerning treatment effectiveness must be developed.